CDE 131 Children's Literature Guide: Picture Books

Sometimes things are really tough. It's just too hard. You've had enough. Grumble, rumble, bump and roar, The Struggle Bus is at your door! You can cry, or you can shout, kick and scream or have a pout. Feel your feelings for a bit. Just keep moving--don't you quit!

Coen is having a sniffling, sighing, sobbing kind of day. His family thinks they know how to cheer him up. His dad wants to go outside and play, Mom tells her funniest joke, and his little sister shares her favorite teddy. Nothing helps. But one by one, they get quiet and begin to listen. After some time, space, and reassurance, Coen is able to show them what he needs.

When Taylor's block castle is destroyed, all the animals think they know just what to do, but only the rabbit quietly listens to how Taylor is feeling.

A young girl's sense of adventure and exploration vanishes when she discovers a Worry that grows and grows until she learns how to get rid of it.

A young child experiences sadness as if it were a visitor, acknowledging the emotion and suggesting activities to do with it.

Emotions, including happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and calm, are described through the actions of a monster sorting them out.

Encourages the reader to enjoy all of the colors, representing feelings, that may be experienced in the course of a day.